His words in debate with Stephen Douglas in 1858 are occasionally quoted:
" I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races – that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.But this was not all. He underlined the point by adding: "I am not in favor of Negro citizenship."
-- Lincoln vs. His Rightful Masters
Lincoln's actions speak far louder than his words. I believe there was talk of secession even as early as 1858, and Lincoln's priority--rightfully so--was alway to preserve the union.